Vestibular Disorders and Workplace Ergonomics: Creating a Balance-Friendly Workspace

For individuals living with vestibular disorders, daily tasks—such as working at a desk—can be surprisingly challenging. Factors like lighting, screen glare, posture, and head movements can worsen symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and visual sensitivity.

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, we help patients create practical, vestibular-friendly workspaces to support comfort, productivity, and recovery. With the right adjustments, your workspace can become a safe, supportive environment.

🪑 Why Ergonomics Matter for Vestibular Health

Vestibular disorders affect how the brain processes motion, head position, and spatial orientation. Prolonged screen time, poor posture, and repetitive neck movement can exacerbate symptoms in people with conditions like BPPV, vestibular migraine, or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD).

Key triggers in workspaces may include:

• Bright or flickering lights
• Multiple or large monitors
• Poor neck support or desk height
• Frequent head movements or visual tracking
• Noisy or visually cluttered environments

🧩 Tips for a Vestibular-Friendly Workspace

Here are some adjustments we recommend:

1. Screen Position
   Keep your monitor at eye level to reduce neck strain. Avoid needing to look up or down for extended periods.
2. Lighting
   Use soft, indirect lighting. Avoid fluorescent lights or harsh glare. An adjustable desk lamp with a warm tone can help.
3. Seating & Posture
   Invest in an ergonomic chair that supports upright posture. Feet should be flat on the floor, and your knees at a 90-degree angle.
4. Reduce Visual Motion
   Limit use of multiple screens or flashing visual stimuli. Use blue light filters and reduce screen brightness.
5. Head Movement Awareness
   Minimise rapid head turns. Consider placing frequently used items (e.g. phone, mouse) within easy reach.
6. Regular Breaks
   Take breaks every 30–60 minutes to move gently, stretch your neck and shoulders, and reset your visual system.

🧘‍♀️ Supporting Recovery at Work

Combining ergonomic changes with vestibular rehabilitation can significantly reduce daily discomfort. Our physiotherapists at Advanced Vestibular Clinics can assess your symptoms and workspace needs to tailor strategies that support your health.

🌐 Learn more or book your appointment today:
www.avcphysio.com.au